| If you’ve lived in Stellenbosch as long as I have, the first rain usually only arrives at Easter Weekend and is also then the official start of autumn. Well, in 2025 this is not the case… The first rain arrived after a long and dry summer spell and most of us are very grateful. It did come at a pretty perfect time – with most of the grape harvesting in the area done.
Preparations for the Jetmaster Stellenbosch Club Championships have begun and this rain is “just perfect” to get the rough up for the championship before the tournament takes place in just over two weeks’ time. |
| I have not played a round of golf where the question I’ll be discussing today has not come up, except with Jannie, as he usually just knocks it straight out of bounds – oops! That being said, I’m going to give you some clarity on when you can drop, for example, on the 6th hole, and when you can’t drop, on the 8th hole, for example, and why.
In pic 1, you will see my ball has come to rest very close to the fence on the 6th hole. Because the fence defines Out of Bounds, there is no relief from its interference. |
| In pic 2 and 3, I fairly take my stance and try and make a swing. |
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| However, I decided to rather hit the ball left-handed in pic 4 and 5. This results in me now having to stand on the road, from which there is relief under Rule 16.1 as per the club’s Local Rules. |
| I can now take relief at my nearest point of relief – where I don’t stand on the road – once I have done this, as you can see in pic 6 and 7, I can smash it to 4 feet and make the putt for birdie. Yes! |
| Unfortunately, when you are playing the 8th hole and the same scenario happens to you or someone in your 4-ball, the procedure is a little different. Enjoy the video and no laughing… it’s a serious game! |
| If you still don’t believe me after all of that… Profeet word mos nie in sy land geken nie!
…Then enjoy this video from the USGA. |
| Let the good news continue |
| In my last DOG’s Tale I congratulated all the members representing the Boland Golf Union in the up and coming weeks. It is a very special achievement for every golfer every single time they make a provincial side.
However, I feel it is very important to share a story of a young female golfer who grew up and still lives on Libertas farm below our 8th tee boxes. “Good shot, great shot, lekker shot my larnie – going in the bush my larnie!” Love it or hate it, it has become part of the hole’s experience.
Chante Gordon’s life has been influenced by so many wonderful people, societies and companies. She joined the club’s development program a few years ago and was just another girl having fun on a Tuesday afternoon. However, she showed a lot of potential from the start during these clinics. She excelled in her development group and a step change needed to be made, but sadly due to funding that was not possible. At this point the Senior Golfers Society and Standard Bank came through to assist a beautiful young girl to continue honing her golf skills on the golf course, but even more importantly, they also assist in life skills – rounding off the golfer girl we have today. Touching Lives Through the Game of Golf. What a beautiful story, one I am following closely and hopefully, one day, she can make a living out of golf, not necessary as a playing professional, but someone like a Bianca, a Cameron, an Erich, a Louis – who knows! |
| When did you start playing golf? |
| I started playing golf when I was in grade 6, so I was basically twelve years old. |
| Who introduced you to golf? |
| My uncle Jonathan introduced me to the game, but the saddest part is the fact that he passed away, so at that moment I realised I needed to take his place and continue playing golf. I do this all for him. |
| You are finishing school this year – what is the plan for 2026 and where are you going to school? |
DEFINITELY STUDY! If it’s possible.
Stellenzicht Secondary School. |
| When you are not playing golf, what does Chante do? |
| If I’m not playing golf then I’m busy studying or taking extra classes. Those are the only two things this year that make it impossible for me to play golf sometimes because I’m on the golf course almost every day. Golf is basically my therapy. |
| Of course, STELLENBOSCH GOLF CLUB! |
| In golf you must do everything well – but what is the strongest part of your game? |
| The moment when I have a wedge in my hand is the moment when I realise that I don’t have to worry about anything because I know I’m going to hit that ball on the green. I will say the strongest part of my game is my short game. |
| Do you enjoy the competitive side of the game? |
| I do – but I also don’t – because it’s not always about winning, it is all about enjoying the beauty of the game and meeting some new people or making friends. I also feel like competitive golf can also improve your game. |
| Who would you like to thank who helped you along the way? |
| I would like to thank Bianca Wernich because of her good golf skills, I wouldn’t have been chosen for the Boland team without her. Since the day she started coaching me I have felt more confident about my game. I would like to thank all the sponsors involved that made this possible and hope to have continuous support. I would like to thank Stellenbosch Golf Club and the management team for all the support and membership from their side. |
| “You’ve got this! Take a deep breath, relax and let your swing shine!” |
| Bianca and Chante in action on the range |
| Enjoy the rest of the week, hopefully you have all visited the club’s new website by now and entered the 2025 Club Championship. O, and before I forget, we are going to have a Masters Dinner on 9 April, watch the par 3 competition, while enjoying the exact menu Scottie Scheffler spoiled his fellow past champions with. Sadly, there will be limited space available – so don’t miss out… Let me know if you are interested! Details following SOON.
Remember keep it down the middle – the rough is not a good place to be anymore.
All the best,
Louis |
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